United Nations Human Rights Council

High Commissioner’s presentation of his thematic reports on the human rights situation in Ukraine

19 December 2023

EU Statement

Mr President,

The EU reiterates its resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and we reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, including policy of non-recognition of the illegal annexation of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.

The EU fully supports the work of the OHCHR’s Mission in Ukraine. We urge the Russian Federation to ensure full, unhindered, timely, and safe access for international and regional human rights monitoring and accountability mechanisms to territories temporarily occupied, including to the illegally annexed Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. We are deeply alarmed over human rights and IHL violations.

The EU calls for the  urgent implementation the recommendations made by the HRMMU including, to immediately cease the practice of arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance, issue clear orders prohibiting torture, sexual and gender-based violence [against civilians and Prisoners of War], ensure the prompt and safe return of all deported and forcibly transferred persons, including children and persons with disabilities. In line with the HRMMU report, The Russian Federation should end the conscription of protected persons residing in occupied territory, including Crimea, and immediately cease the deliberate killings, torture, ill-treatment and dangerous or humiliating labour of Ukrainian Prisoners of War, as well as the prosecution of POWs for acts which amount to mere participation in hostilities.

The EU underlines the importance of obtaining clarity on the full extent of the Russian Federation’s policy of forcible transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children, as well as, coordinated action to ensure the immediate and safe return and reunification of forcibly transferred or deported children with their relatives.

Mr President,

We reiterate that timely, independent and effective investigations are necessary with view of ensuring justice and reparations for victims.

Mr High Commissioner,

Given the persisting impunity for perpetrators in Crimea, the city of Sevastopol and the occupied areas of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk regions, what more can be done to ensure full accountability and justice for victims of human rights violations?